Softball SA is pleased to welcome Karyn Dale as Director of Coaching and Brett Butler and Ben Lucas as Co-Athlete Development Coordinators, with all three appointed for the next two years.

These appointments will strengthen support for coaches and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover softball, develop their skills and pursue their goals.

Karyn Dale – Director of Coaching

Karyn brings more than 40 years of softball experience as a player, coach, selector, administrator and board member across club, state and national levels. She holds Performance Talent Coach accreditation, with recent roles including Head Coach of the SA Under 18 Women’s Team, Assistant Coach of the Australian Under 16 Girls’ National Squad and coaching within Softball Australia’s National Battery Program.

A Life Member of Walkerville Softball Club and CEO of MATES in Construction SA, Karyn combines extensive softball knowledge with more than 25 years of senior management experience. She will work with clubs, associations and coaches to strengthen coach development and support clear pathways at every level of the game.

Brett Butler and Ben Lucas – Co-Athlete Development Coordinators

The new Athlete Development Coordinator role is focused on helping people get involved in softball and develop to the level they choose—from social weekend games to pursuing national selection. Establishing this program will take a team effort, with Brett and Ben sharing the role from its first year.

Brett Butler is President of the Hills Softball Association and brings experience in athlete development, talent identification and coaching structures through Australian Rules Football. His professional background spans leadership, strategic planning and program management, with a focus on bringing people together and connecting grassroots participation with opportunities to progress.

Ben Lucas brings experience as an SA State Team Head Coach and Australian Assistant Coach, backed by a Masters in High-Performance Sport. His coaching achievements include SA’s maiden Under 23 Women’s championship and three consecutive podium finishes with the Starz. Ben is passionate about supporting athletes to reach their potential at whatever level they choose.

Thank you, Amanda “Reggie” Fairley

Softball SA extends a huge thank you to Amanda for her hard work and dedication in the coaching role over recent years. Her contribution to our coaching community is greatly appreciated, and we wish her every success as her focus turns towards coaching at an international level.

The Softball SA office and Board look forward to working with Karyn, Brett and Ben to support our coaches, develop our athletes and create more opportunities across South Australia.